PIOneERS

Hello! Welcome to the official webpage for the PIOneERS experiment, due to launch on REXUS 24 in March 2018, as part of the 10th cycle of the REXUS/BEXUS programme.

What do we do?

The ionosphere is an ionised region of the Earth’s atmosphere, which can have a significant impact on several types of radio systems, such as satellite navigation systems and satellite communications. Measurements of the electron density in the ionosphere can be used to improve models, thereby enabling the development of better techniques to mitigate the impact of the ionosphere on radio systems. Hence, an impedance probe, ImP, is being developed to provide in-situ electron density measurements.

The PIOneERS experiment is a technology demonstration experiment designed to validate the performance of two space systems, ImP and a boom. The data provided by ImP in the bottom-side ionosphere will be compared to already available data to determine its performance. Once the ImP data will be validated, it will be used to provide in-situ electron density measurements in the top-side ionosphere.

As the measurements provided by ImP are highly susceptible to magnetic fields, the sensor will be mounted at the end of a boom of 1.75 m in length, away from the artificial magnetic field caused by the REXUS rocket body. Data provided by an inertial measurement unit at the end of the boom will enable to validate its performance (deployment speed, oscillatory behaviour and structural stability) during and after deployment in a micro-gravity environment.

This test flight on board REXUS 24 will increase the technological readiness level and act as a precursor to future orbital flights for both systems. For further technical information, take a look here.

Blog:

If you would like to read more about our project from our different points of view, why not take a look at our blog ?

Timeline:

Below, you can take a look at a timeline of the progress within our project, and how we plan to proceed up to launch !

Experts from DLR, SSC, ZARM and ESA provide technical support to the student teams throughout the project. EuroLaunch, the cooperation between the Esrange Space Center of SSC and the Mobile Rocket Base (MORABA) of DLR, is responsible for the campaign management and operations of the launch vehicles.